Man pleads guilty to driving stolen Mercedes

A Donegal man has pleaded guilty to driving a Mercedes car, which was stolen.

James Mitchell appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court, where he tendered guilty pleas to charges of handling stolen property and of driving without insurance.

Mitchell, a 42-year-old with an address at Finnside Close, Lifford, was brought to Letterkenny courthouse from Castlerea Prison, where he is currently serving a sentence.

Mitchell spoke only to plead guilty to the charges relating to January 16, 2020 at The Elms, Letterkenny.

He was charged with possession of stolen property, an offence contrary to Section 18 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001. He was charged that he did without lawful authority or excuse possess stolen property, a black Mercedes E350 AMG, knowing that the property was stolen or being reckless as to whether it was stolen.

He was also charged with driving a mechanically propelled vehicle, a black Mercedes E350 AMG, in a public place without insurance. The charge is contrary to Section 56 (1) and (3) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 as amended by Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 2006.

Barrister for Mitchell, Mr Peter Nolan BL, said his client is anxious to have the  matter dealt with.

Judge John Aylmer adjourned the case until Tuesday next, October 24, for sentencing.